These fluffy pancake bites are packed with juicy blueberries and a zesty lemon twist. Made with cottage cheese, they’re a fun and healthy breakfast treat!
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, pour, and flip. Perfect for a cozy morning or snack anytime—who doesn’t love bite-sized goodies? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese works best for a creamy texture. If you prefer a smoother batter, you can blend it beforehand. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Flour: All-purpose flour is my go-to, but you can use whole wheat flour for added fiber. If you’re gluten-free, consider almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix.
Granulated Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness, but feel free to use coconut sugar or honey. Just be mindful of the conversion ratios if you use a liquid sweetener.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but frozen ones work too! Just toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking. If you can’t get blueberries, try raspberries or chopped strawberries instead.
How Do I Cook Pancake Bites to Keep Them Fluffy?
Cooking pancake bites properly is key to achieving that perfect fluffy texture. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your skillet: Ensure it’s medium-hot before adding the batter for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give them space on the skillet to rise and cook evenly. Cook in small batches if needed.
- Watch the time: Cook until bubbles form on the surface before flipping, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a gentle touch when flipping to keep them intact.
These steps will help you get deliciously fluffy pancake bites every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Batter:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- For Cooking:
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on how many you make at once. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to tasty pancake bite finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, grab your cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir them all together until well combined. It’s okay if the mixture is a little lumpy; it’s supposed to be fluffy!
2. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps incorporate the baking powder evenly into the flour, which is key for fluffy pancake bites.
3. Combining the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and be careful not to overmix; just mix until the flour is combined with the wet ingredients.
4. Adding Blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, making sure to keep them as whole as possible. This adds delicious bursts of juice when you bite into them!
5. Heating the Skillet:
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil, just enough to coat the bottom. This will keep the pancake bites from sticking.
6. Cooking the Pancake Bites:
Using a tablespoon measure or mini muffin tin, scoop small rounds of batter onto the skillet. Cook in batches if you need to, so you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Flip carefully!
7. Keeping Warm and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the pancake bites from the skillet and keep them warm. Continue cooking until all the batter is used up.
8. Time to Enjoy!
Serve your fluffy blueberry lemon pancake bites stacked on a plate, garnished with extra blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack!
Enjoy your delicious blueberry lemon cottage cheese pancake bites—they’re sure to brighten your day!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to toss the frozen blueberries in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensures they stay firm during cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before cooking. If you make the pancake bites ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack or pop them in a toaster oven for a crispy texture.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use plain Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu for a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the taste and moisture level may vary slightly!